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Synonyms

abrogation

American  
[ab-ruh-gey-shuhn] / ˌæb rəˈgeɪ ʃən /

noun

  1. the act or an instance of abrogating, or repealing.

    abrogation of the treaty's responsibility.


Etymology

Origin of abrogation

First recorded in 1530–40; from Latin abrogātiōn-, stem of abrogātiō “a repeal,” equivalent to abrogāt(us), past participle of abrogāre “to repeal” + -iō -ion ( def. ); see abrogate ( def. )

Explanation

Abrogation is the act of canceling, nullifying, or repealing something, almost always in an official or legal context. To abrogate something is to repeal or cancel it, so abrogation is the act of repealing or canceling. This is mainly a legal term. Abrogation occurs whenever an old law or rule is abolished, like when slavery was outlawed. The abrogation of a lease means it is no longer valid and binding. The annulment of a marriage — which legally wipes out the marriage, as if it never happened — is also a type of abrogation.

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Vocabulary lists containing abrogation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

I wouldn’t be surprised if Westside residents who lost everything try to recall the mayor for her supposed abrogation of duty.

From Los Angeles Times Jan. 9, 2025

In December, India's Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 - but said the government had promised to restore Jammu-Kashmir's statehood and should do so as soon as possible.

From BBC Mar. 7, 2024

In the new ruling, the judges said that Oklahoma’s 1910 public nuisance law typically referred to an abrogation of a public right like access to roads or clean water or air.

From New York Times Nov. 9, 2021

“There is no reason the law should analyze an abrogation of the right to exclude in one manner if it extends for 365 days, but in an entirely different manner if it lasts for 364.”

From Washington Post Jun. 23, 2021

However strongly at any time he may have urged the punishment of traitors, he never argued for or believed in the abrogation of any of the State’s privileges.

From The Struggle between President Johnson and Congress over Reconstruction by Charles Ernest Chadsey

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